Belt Squeal

[curtie94]

Hi I just replaced my alternator never had any belt squeal before, but now I do. I have tried tightening the belt and I think it is gone but the next day the same thing happens. If I add load like rear defroster, the lights will dim at idle and the belt squeals again. then within a about a minute the squeal goes away then comes back.

What can cause this.

When I adjust the belt am I supposed to loosen the top and bottom (nut) through bolts?

[zmos86]

If I'm not mistaken, you probably had to take off the power steering belt in order to replace the alternator. Maybe it's not you alternator belt that squealing. It could be the power steering belt. Just a thought. It's hard to provide a reasonable solution to ones problem over a forum.

[CB7_Mobbin_209]

you sure your belt doesn't need to be replaced?

[trinistylez]

Hi I just replaced my alternator never had any belt squeal before, but now I do. I have tried tightening the belt and I think it is gone but the next day the same thing happens. If I add load like rear defroster, the lights will dim at idle and the belt squeals again. then within a about a minute the squeal goes away then comes back.

What can cause this.

When I adjust the belt am I supposed to loosen the top and bottom (nut) through bolts?

Maybe your belt needs replacing? What is the condition of it? Check for ridges, hair line cracks, little frays of hair flawing from it. I know there is a spray you can get, never used it personally but ive seen some good reviews about it, have seen some negative ones too though. Good luck

[JBradley500]

new belt? sometimes cheap ones will squeal.

[zmos86]

I totally miss read this thread. I thought the alternator belt had been replaced and it was starting to squeal.

Now if I were replacing my alternator I probably would have bought a alternator belt also. Just in case.

[JDMDriver]

I think re check the direction in which you turned the adj bolt to tighten your belt. You may have turned it in the direction of loosening it.

If it is tight (recheck your turning direction and final belt deflection against the specs) and if it still squeaks then you can be confident its tension is at least correct.

In that case just buy a anti belt squeak product from your local car parts store.

An old trick I was taught (if you dont want to buy a specific product) is to rub a bar of soap on the side edges of the belt (when its stationary of course) run it and redo again if still squeaks till you get the spot.

[zmos86]

Anti squeak spray may work, but it's not a permanent solution.

[JBradley500]

dont put anything on a belt unless its a v-belt.

[zmos86]

dont put anything on a belt unless its a v-belt.

^^agree

[92exa6]

When I adjust the belt am I supposed to loosen the top and bottom (nut) through bolts?

Yes, you must loosen the alternator fastners to adjust belt tension. Belts are run much tighter on these cars than a lot of people think. 12mm deflection at 22lbs/force if memory serves. If you didn't replace the belt when you swapped alternators I would recommend spending the extra 10-15 bucks now.

[GrimmCB7]

It almost sounds as if the belt was too tight, because the lights are dimming, there should be enough power not to dimm from using the defroster. Obviously it being worn would also do a similar outcome where its slipping and not producing the power necessary to run the accessory..

[HATCHing]

^X2 too tight can squeal too.

[92exa6]

If it's dimming the lights and sqeaking for a bit after an electrical load is added it's beacuse the extra load on the belt created by the field coils in the alternator being powered up is enough to slip it. Too loose or glazed belt.

[GrimmCB7]

^^ Good to know!